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Residents speak out against proposed subdivision

 

COLUMBUS—The Town of Columbus Board of Planning and Adjustment recently convened for its second meeting to deliberate on the Feagan Property Development Project, a 40-plus-acre housing endeavor proposed by Quartz Properties near downtown Columbus. 

The development is expected to include 56 lots near the Holly Hill neighborhood, off Weaver Street behind CVS. Due to the large number of citizens in attendance, the session was relocated from the Town Hall to the Womack Building.

Donald Pence, the project engineer representing Quartz Properties, addressed the board and said the decision was made to eliminate the connection to Phillips Street in the southeast corner and the Holly Hill neighborhood, opting for locking foldable bollards to allow emergency access when required. 

Pence shared that he had spoken with an NCDOT representative, local school superintendent, and water and sewer officials, who provided verbal assurances regarding the town’s ability to accommodate the additional families and houses.

During the meeting, board member Catherine Elliot raised concerns about traffic on Hwy. 108 and called for a more comprehensive traffic study. Fellow board member Ernie Kan requested written statements from school officials and water and sewer authorities, inquiring about water usage, potential light and noise pollution, and the development’s adherence to existing town ordinances. 

Board member Jimmi Buell expressed concerns about sewer and water and potential environmental impacts on neighboring Horse Creek. The board also addressed the idea of connecting trails to the I-26 rest area, with board member Mark Blanton speaking out against it, drawing applause from the audience.

The Quartz team expressed willingness to accommodate the board’s suggested changes and reassured the members that all laws and codes would be followed. They also committed to providing additional studies on sewage, traffic, and environmental impacts, as requested by the board.

The floor was then opened to speakers, and all ten local community members spoke out against the development. 

Larry McEntire, a long-time resident of Holly Hill, expressed various concerns, including extra traffic. 

“I’m opposed to any connection to any road in the Holly Hill development. We have kids who ride bikes, walkers, and dog walkers. Additional traffic is just an accident waiting to happen,” he said.

Columbus resident Andrew Clawson said, “It just seems like there is going to be a risk of pollution, light pollution, sound pollution, water pollution, and heavy traffic, along with added stress on the infrastructure.”

Following the questions and community input, board members expressed their gratitude for the turnout and urged attendees to maintain a non-confrontational approach in the discourse.

The Board of Planning and Adjustment is tentatively scheduled to reconvene on October 14.